Bio
Raven Retrograde
Gothic Metal Renaissance
aven Retrograde is a Southern California Gothic Metal and Visual Kei band blending post-punk, nu-metal, and symphonic metal into a dark, theatrical sound. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Sisters of Mercy, Malice Mizer, Bauhaus, Within Temptation, The Cure, Galneryus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Evanescence, the band fuses gothic atmosphere with crushing riffs, cinematic orchestration, and immersive visual storytelling.
Born from a shared passion for music that is as visually striking as it is emotionally powerful, Raven Retrograde embraces the theatrical spirit of Visual Kei while drawing from the melancholic textures of gothic rock and the intensity of modern metal. Rather than fitting neatly into a single genre, the band's music blends haunting melodies, symphonic arrangements, heavy grooves, and dramatic aesthetics into an experience that is both nostalgic and unmistakably contemporary. Every song is crafted to tell a story, creating a world where darkness, beauty, and emotion coexist.
Raven Retrograde is focused on creating music that merges Gothic Metal, Visual Kei, post-punk, nu-metal, and symphonic metal into a singular cinematic experience.
Follow Raven Retrograde for upcoming music, announcements, and live show information as the next chapter begins.
Josh
Our Front Man, Vocalist and Lead Guitarist
I've Always been Drawn to Rock and Heavy Music. I have a love of gothic poetry, and always liked Skulls and Vampires.
I pretty much listen to every alternative genre, from Post Punk, to New Wave, Darkwave, Dark Syth, Synthwave. To Emotional Core Punk, Industrial Rock and Industrial EDM, Nu Metal, Progressive Metal, Doom Metal, Trash Metal, Symphonic Metal, Power Metal.
In Addition to enjoying alternative aesthetics, whether Cyberpunk or Gothic-Vampy Aesthetics, I'm also an apparel designer, Car guy, Youtuber, and Live Streamer. I love modding and tuning guitars.
As a guitarist I'm very anal about my guitars being Neck Through Body, Set Neck, or Set Through w/ and ultra-access cut. I particularly enjoy X-shaped, V-shaped, and Bird shaped guitars, as well LP Single Cuts.
I do tend to play Open-E and Open-C. Its my personal Preference for Playing chords and scales, even though some may consider it lazy, to me its comfortable and efficient, lol.
Pozole
Our Bassist, w/ Legendary Punk Experiece.
Our Bassist Known by the Moniker Pozole, after one of his Favorite soups is a true Legend in our Local Punk Rock Scene.
Having been the bassist for a handful of bands that have played in our local club scene.
He's a also an amazing guitarist, in addition to being an extraordinary Bassist. He's Played at Stardust and at the Whisky-a-go-go, with his previous Bands.